Meet The Team
Rebecca Hughes
Executive Director
Rebecca Hughes serves as the Executive Director of ICARE Union County, where she leads community-wide efforts to prevent substance use and promote healthy, resilient lifestyles. With a strong background in community development, community education and leadership, Rebecca brings more than 12 years of experience in guiding community strategies, fostering partnerships, and empowering youth and families.
In her role, Rebecca oversees the coalition’s strategic vision, program development, and community outreach initiatives. She works closely with schools, healthcare providers, law enforcement, faith leaders, and local organizations to build a unified response to substance use challenges.
Passionate about grassroots collaboration, Rebecca is committed to ensuring that prevention is rooted in community voices and evidence-based practices. She is dedicated to maintaining ICARE Union County as a trusted resource for education, advocacy, and support.
Before joining the coalition, Rebecca worked with UT Extension in Union County, where she managed community health programs and worked in school-based prevention. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Family, Youth and Community Sciences from The University of Florida and a Master of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences from The University of Tennessee, and she is a member of Leadership Union County.
Outside of her professional work, Rebecca enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, they have two miniature dachshunds that keep them fully entertained and a roping horse that keeps them busy most weekends. She loves to be outside with family but enjoys a good book and even a challenging puzzle from time to time. Reflecting her belief in leading by example and living a healthy, balanced life. Rebecca is blessed to have God’s provisions of family, friends, health and guidance through life’s journey.
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Rebecca can be reached at
Samantha Brantley-Smith
Program Coordinator
Samantha Brantley-Smith is a lifelong resident of Union County and a proud mother and grandmother to an amazing family. She has a self-described “insane love” for houseplants, gardening, family time, and her dogs, along with a deep love for her community and the people in it.
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As a person in long-term recovery for nearly nine years from substance misuse and a mental health diagnosis, Samantha is deeply passionate about preventing substance misuse and strengthening her community. Her mission is to be a safe and trusted person for those struggling with mental health and substance misuse—helping individuals find resources, build hope, and heal both mind and body.
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Samantha is a Certified Prevention Specialist, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist (CPRS), and CPRS Supervisor. She also serves as a Recovery Coach and is certified to facilitate TNRAS risk and needs assessments. Through her work, she remains committed to walking alongside others on their path to recovery and helping Union County grow stronger together.
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Samantha’s work is rooted in connection, compassion, and real-life experience. She believes that recovery and prevention start with relationships—meeting people where they are, without judgment, and walking alongside them every step of the way. Through her involvement in community outreach, education, and support services, she has helped individuals and families navigate some of their most difficult moments and find a path forward.
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She is committed to building a stronger, healthier Union County by working alongside local partners, organizations, and community members. Samantha believes lasting change happens when a community comes together—when we listen, support one another, and take action. Whether she is advocating for resources, educating others, or simply being a steady and safe presence, her goal is always the same: to bring hope, healing, and opportunity to the place she proudly calls home.
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Samantha can be reached at
Carrie Cate
Administrative Assistant
Carrie's roots are in Union County, and she is happy for the opportunity to serve. She works mainly behind the scenes in a support role at ICARE. She has a Master's degree in Counseling from Carson-Newman University and a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science from the University of Tennessee. She also works in a supervisory role for a global social services agency, and she worked many years in the veterinary field.
Carrie loves spending time with her husband and two children and the family's two dogs and two cats. She especially enjoys travel, being outdoors, drag racing, and anything animal-related.
Carrie truly believes in the power of relationships and human connection to change individual lives, thus changing entire communities over time.
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Carrie can be reached at communications@icareunioncounty.com